Politics

1991 29¢ District of Columbia
November 3, 1964

Washington, D.C., Residents Vote in Their First Presidential Election

Though the District of Columbia has served as our nation’s capital since 1791, its residents didn’t get to vote in their first presidential election until November 3, 1964.

Read Article
1938 2¢ John Adams, rose carmine
October 30, 1735

Happy Birthday, John Adams! 

John Adams was born in Braintree (now Quincy), Massachusetts, on October 30, 1735. Adams was America’s first vice president and second president.

Read Article
1984 20¢ Eleanor Roosevelt
October 11, 1884

Happy Birthday Eleanor Roosevelt 

Anna Eleanor Roosevelt was born on October 11, 1884, in New York City, New York. She was America’s longest-serving First Day and is credited with redefining the role of the presidential spouse.

Read Article
1961 4¢ Champions of Liberty: Mahatma Gandhi
October 2, 1869

Happy Birthday Mahatma Gandhi

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, India. Gandhi is known worldwide for his peaceful protests and campaign that finally earned India its independence from British rule.

Read Article
1967 13¢ Prominent Americans: John F. Kennedy
September 26, 1960

America’s First Televised Presidential Debate

On September 26, 1960, John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon took part in America’s first televised debate, which revealed just how important this growing medium would be on future politics.

Read Article
Series of 1902 13¢ Harrison
August 20, 1833

Birth of Benjamin Harrison

Benjamin Harrison was born in North Bend, Ohio, on August 20, 1833. America’s 23rd president, he was also a Civil War veteran and lawyer.

Read Article
1962 4¢ Brien McMahon
July 28, 1952

Death of Brien McMahon

Connecticut senator and chairman of the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy Brien McMahon died on July 28, 1952, in Washington, DC.

Read Article
1873 $2 Green and Black, Department of State, Seward, Hard Paper
July 27, 1789

Department of State Established 

On July 27, 1789, the Department of Foreign Affairs was created, which was later renamed the Department of State. It was the first department established under the US Constitution and its primary role is to help the President develop and carry out a foreign policy.

Read Article
1870-71 12¢ Clay, dull violet
June 29, 1852

Death of Henry Clay 

Esteemed statesman Henry Clay died on June 29, 1852, after nearly 50 years in politics. Nicknamed “The Great Compromiser,” he orchestrated several important government compromises in the years leading up to the Civil War.

Read Article

Love history?

Discover events in American history – plus the stamps that make them come alive.

Subscribe to get This Day in History stories straight to your inbox every day!